Vehicle Torque Distribution Control System for Fuel Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional all-wheel drive vehicles experience increased fuel consumption due to dynamic focusing, which results in inefficiencies, especially in situations with low driving-dynamic demands, as they often prioritize directional control over energy efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A control system that compares driving-dynamic desired parameters with potential parameters to switch between drive-oriented and driving-dynamics-oriented controls, prioritizing energy efficiency by distributing drive torque uniformly across axles, mainly using a single-axle drive strategy unless high driving-dynamic demands are met, thereby reducing fuel consumption without compromising driving safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a primarily multi-axle drive strategy is used to improve directional control, then driving dynamics are improved, but fuel consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirectional controlVSAvoidfuel consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically switches between drive-oriented and driving-dynamics-oriented control modes based on real-time comparison of demanded driving-dynamic parameters with potential parameters. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize the balance between directional control and fuel consumption by selecting the appropriate control strategy for current driving conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the control parameter (control mode) based on the relationship between demanded driving-dynamic parameters and potential parameters. When the demanded parameters exceed potential parameters by a defined threshold, the system transitions from drive-oriented to driving-dynamics-oriented control, thereby adjusting the parameter distribution to meet performance requirements while managing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If a drive-oriented control is used to minimize fuel consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but driving dynamics may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoiddriving dynamics

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control system continuously monitors and compares demanded driving-dynamic parameters with potential parameters, using this feedback to determine when to switch between control modes. This feedback mechanism ensures that drive-oriented control is maintained only when it satisfies driving-dynamic requirements, preventing compromise of driving dynamics while maximizing fuel efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the control strategy based on real-time conditions, switching from drive-oriented to driving-dynamics-oriented control when performance thresholds are exceeded. This dynamic adjustment ensures that fuel efficiency is optimized without permanently compromising driving dynamics, as the system can adapt to changing requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If a primarily single-axle drive strategy is used to improve energy efficiency, then fuel consumption is reduced, but adaptability to high-demand situations decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoidresponse to driving-dynamic demands

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically transitions between single-axle drive (drive-oriented) and multi-axle drive (driving-dynamics-oriented) strategies based on the comparison between demanded and potential parameters. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to maintain energy efficiency during normal operation while being capable of responding to high-demand situations when necessary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the drive strategy parameter based on the threshold comparison between demanded driving-dynamic parameters and potential parameters. When demands exceed potentials by the defined threshold, the system transitions from single-axle to multi-axle drive, thereby adapting to high-demand situations while maintaining fuel efficiency during lower-demand operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9186988B2Control system for a motor vehicle having an electronic control unit by which the drive torque of a drive unit can be variably distributed, as required, on at least two axles

Publication Date: 2015.11.17 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG

AI summary

A control system and method are provided for a motor vehicle having an electronic control unit, by which the drive torque of a drive unit can be variably distributed, as required, to at least two axles. A drive-oriented control can be specified for the purpose of a primarily single-axle drive. By way of a comparison unit, preferably on the basis of a circle of forces, a driving-dynamic desired parameter demanded particularly on a basis of the driver's intention is compared with a driving-dynamic potential parameter. A change from the drive-oriented control to a driving-dynamics-oriented control for the purpose of a primarily multi-axle drive takes place only when a defined threshold value, for example, 70%, is exceeded relative to the driving-dynamic potential parameter, for example, a limit range of the circle of forces.